PAUL HERRON

Paul Herron, 85, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 11:52 a.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne. He was born on July 11, 1926 in Whitley County, the son of Earl and Alice (Himman) Herron.

He graduated from Coesse High School with the Class of 1945 and then entered the United States Army serving during WWII from 1945-1946. On March 26, 1950 he married Norma U. Comer at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Nine Mile. He has spent his entire lifetime in Whitley County residing at his present home since 1999. Paul was a general farmer, raising potatoes and onions, and also worked as a machine set up person for 18 years at PTG, retiring in 1999. His memberships include, Hope Lutheran Church, Columbia City American Legion Post #98, Whitley County Farm Bureau. He served for many years on the Union Township Volunteer Fire Department.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Norma U. Herron, Columbia City; 3 children, David (Debra) Herron, Columbia City, Sarah "Sally" (Stan) Smith, Chugiak, AK and James (Kathaleen) Herron, Columbia City; 4 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; and 2 sisters, Donna (Richard) Bolinger and Patricia (Robert) Johnson, both of Columbia City. He is preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother, Thomas Herron, 2 sisters, Willodene Kneller and Coral Erdly and 2 daughters, Mary Herron and Lydia Fisher.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 2-6:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. A Volunteer Fireman's Memorial Service will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be held on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Judy Follis of Hope Lutheran Church and Pastor Steve Johnson of Oak Grove Church of God officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne, with graveside military rites presented by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial bequests may be given in Mr. Herron's memory to Hope Lutheran Church or the American Lung Association. Envelopes will be available through the funeral home.